![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 7 to 31 of 34. Go back in thread:
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 2, 2003, at 20:38:13
In reply to Ame, for OCD + social anxiety Ame Sans, posted by McPac on October 2, 2003, at 20:35:09
No, I wouldn't think so... but anything's possible.
Posted by lotus on October 2, 2003, at 20:39:08
In reply to Re: Supplements for OCD + social anxiety Ame Sans » rianny, posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 2, 2003, at 20:19:53
Ame,
I recently started Lexapro,about 4 days ago,and noticed that you said Prozac had fewer sexual side effects and less weight gain compared to other ssri's.This is one of the reasons I decided to go with Lex.I was on Paxil about 2 years ago,and went off due to weight gain and sexual side effects,although it worked wonderfully for my social anxiety and obsessive thinking.Anyway, I was wondering if you've tried Lex and could offer a comparison to Prozac,as I never tried Prozac.
Posted by McPac on October 2, 2003, at 20:42:30
In reply to Re: Supplements for OCD + social anxiety » lotus, posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 2, 2003, at 18:54:42
One other question for you Ame.....what would be your ULTIMATE liquid anxiety killer---a liquid concoction of the ultimate, most potent ingredients that would most knock out anxiety? You must know of a product (I like sublinguals, so I'm asking for a sublingual KILLER-CONCOCTION, lol, that would be the closest thing to taking a few xanax)? Do you have a link?
Thanks Ame...hope you feel better soon Amester!
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 2, 2003, at 20:43:17
In reply to Re: Supplements for OCD + social anxiety Ame Sans, posted by lotus on October 2, 2003, at 20:39:08
I found Lexapro helpful at 40mg/day, but the sexual side effects forced me to discontinue it. I was on Prozac once at 20mg/day -- I noticed some positive effect on that dose with no side effects whatsoever. It is said that Prozac is less likely to cause sexual side effects in men -- in women, it's often just as bad as the others.
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 2, 2003, at 20:55:21
In reply to Ame, Re: Supplements for OCD + social anxiety, posted by McPac on October 2, 2003, at 20:42:30
The Valerian Poppy Supreme tincture I mentioned I was taking is definitely the most potent I've come across... truly great product. For some reason my browser isn't working properly so I can't find the link for it, but you can Google it -- just look for "Gaia Herbs", that's the manufacturer.
I'm already starting to feel even better... and that oh-so-beautiful opioid euphoria is kicking in, but it's going to become wayyyyy stronger in a few hours... heh heh heh. ;-)
Posted by McPac on October 2, 2003, at 20:55:56
In reply to Re: Supplements for OCD + social anxiety » lotus, posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 2, 2003, at 18:54:42
"Take tryptophan with a small amount of carbohydrates (i.e. a piece of fruit, a slice of bread) but on an otherwise empty stomach"
>>>>>>> What if the tryptophan is in powder form---what is the best thing to mix w/ it? (Should you still eat some low carbs w/ it?) Would eating a teeny amount of protein with it (like a tiny amount found in a cracker) matter? Lastly, did you ever buy and start using that tryptophan from Larry's link (made for Secretariat and Trigger, lol)? I bought some but haven't used it yet.
Posted by McPac on October 2, 2003, at 21:00:20
In reply to Re: Ame, Re: Supplements for OCD + social anxiety » McPac, posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 2, 2003, at 20:55:21
"it's going to become wayyyyy stronger in a few hours... heh heh heh"
LOL!
Ame, I already DID buy the Valerian Supreme Poppy....it didn't do that much to me, lol! Nowhere near like a xanax or low-dose Remeron.
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 2, 2003, at 21:01:29
In reply to Ame, Re: Supplements for OCD + social anxiety, posted by McPac on October 2, 2003, at 20:55:56
The powdered form will also work more efficiently taken with carbohydrates, but any amount of protein will inhibit its absorption into the brain because all the other amino acids in protein are competing to get into the brain as well.
I've decided it's better not to try it, since I'm taking Ultram and trazodone -- risk of serotonin syndrome. No reason anyway -- I feel just fine.
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 2, 2003, at 21:04:08
In reply to Ame, Re: Supplements for OCD + social anxiety, posted by McPac on October 2, 2003, at 21:00:20
Wow, that's odd. I'd suggest buying a pure California poppy extract then, or ordering Mahakea kava from Hawai'i. If you decide to go the kava way (which is way more potent) I'll tell you how to best prepare it to ensure you're getting all of the kavalactones you need.
Posted by McPac on October 2, 2003, at 21:06:10
In reply to Re: Supplements for OCD + social anxiety Ame Sans » rianny, posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 2, 2003, at 20:19:53
Ame, I was wondering, if you would ever go to the hospital for something...or a dentist or wherever...and they always ask, "Are you taking any medications?"....do you get a really 'odd' look when you tell them all the meds you're taking?
I hate answering that question...sometimes I just say, "No, I don't take any", lol.
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 2, 2003, at 21:10:31
In reply to Ame, Supplements for OCD + social anxiety Ame Sans, posted by McPac on October 2, 2003, at 21:06:10
Actually, I've never been questioned about my meds or even gotten a funny look about them. I guess a lot of doctors have pretty much seen it all so they don't consider it a big deal. I mean, my GP knew I was already on half a dozen other drugs yesterday, but had no problem whatsoever in writing out a script for a month's worth of Duragesic-50 and trazodone.
Posted by rianny on October 2, 2003, at 21:15:30
In reply to Re: Supplements for OCD + social anxiety Ame Sans, posted by lotus on October 2, 2003, at 20:39:08
I have taken Lexapro (Celexa). That is the medicine I used to take until a month ago. I hated it really. It even changed my personality to mild stupid slow. I even feel uncomfortable when I hear the words "Celexa". I really want to shovel a grenade or something in ass of Celexa producer.
Now, I'll try Prozac next and see how it goes.
> Ame,
> I recently started Lexapro,about 4 days ago,and noticed that you said Prozac had fewer sexual side effects and less weight gain compared to other ssri's.This is one of the reasons I decided to go with Lex.I was on Paxil about 2 years ago,and went off due to weight gain and sexual side effects,although it worked wonderfully for my social anxiety and obsessive thinking.Anyway, I was wondering if you've tried Lex and could offer a comparison to Prozac,as I never tried Prozac.
>
Posted by McPac on October 2, 2003, at 21:16:11
In reply to Re: Ame, Supplements for OCD + social anxiety Ame Sans » McPac, posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 2, 2003, at 21:10:31
Ame.....I'd love to drink one of those high-powered kava elixirs, lol.....but I'm just looking for a sublingual anxiety agent (I probably wouldn't care to take the time to prepare the Hawaiin kava thingy....I'd rather just take a quick dropperful, lol)....would valerian or kava pack the better 'punch'?
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 2, 2003, at 21:20:31
In reply to Ame, Supplements for OCD + social anxiety Ame Sans, posted by McPac on October 2, 2003, at 21:16:11
Kava, most definitely... but as I've said before, all the products sold in stores here in the U.S. are total crap. I bet some of those places in Hawai'i or Oceania that sell the potent strains of kava make ultra-potent tinctures... I'll look into it.
Posted by rianny on October 2, 2003, at 21:23:49
In reply to Re: Supplements for OCD + social anxiety Ame Sans ?rianny, posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 2, 2003, at 20:19:53
Wow, you seem like taking so many medicines.
I have two more questions:1. What does opioid exactly indicate? Is it just pain killers like Tyrenol or something?
2. What is Ultram? If I remember correctly, I read that pdocs usually don't prescribe it because it's addictive. I also have a book about OCD, and it lists most of the meds the patients could try, but I could not find Ultram in that list.
> > Thank you Ame.
> > So, how much relief are you getting from these natural supplements? I read that you are also a OCD/anxiety patient.
>
> The supplements are helpful, but I still require a lot of strong prescription meds.
>
> > Have you taken or are you taking any medication other than supplements?
>
> I've taken probably 85% of the psychiatric drugs available in the U.S. Here are the supplements and medications I'm taking now:
>
> ~Klonopin (clonazepam), for social anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia -- 3mg @ 8:00, 2mg @ 2:00, & 3mg @ 8:00
> ~Xanax (alprazolam), same purpose as Klonopin, but only used for unusually stressful situations -- 2-8mg as needed
> ~Wellbutrin SR (bupropion extended-release), for motivation/confidence -- 150mg daily
> ~DextroStat (dextroamphetamine), for motivation/confidence/energy/ADD -- 10mg three times daily
> ~Desyrel (trazodone), for sleep -- 50-100mg as needed
> ~Ultram (tramadol), for depression/OCD -- 50mg four times daily
> ~Duragesic-50 (fentanyl patch), for depression/OCD/chronic fibromyalgia pain -- one patch delivering 50µg per hour, changed every two or three days
> ~Nicotrol Inhaler, for smoking cessation -- two cartridges daily (8mg nicotine)
> ~Super Earth Formula (multinutrient + herbs, antioxidants, carotenoids, enzymes, acidophilus) -- one caplet three times daily
> ~Picamilon -- 100mg three times daily
> ~Niacinamide (vitamin B3) -- 1.5 gram extended-release caplet twice daily
> ~Liquid B-Complex -- 1ml three times daily
> ~Vitamin C with Rose Hips -- 1,000mg twice daily
> ~Vitamin E -- 1,200 IU's daily
> ~Thiamine (vitamin B1) -- 500mg twice daily
> ~Fish oil -- 1,080mg DHA & 720mg EPA daily
> ~Selenium -- 100µg daily
> ~Calcium lactate -- 350mg three times daily
> ~Valerian Poppy Supreme (an herbal tincture containing valerian root, skullcap herb, California poppy herb, kava kava rhizome and root, passionflower vine, German chamomile flowers, and mugwort herb) -- 1ml three times daily
> ~Mahakea kava -- one ounce brewed into my special alcoholic chai, as needed ;-)
>
> >I'm going to see my pdoc next week, but I'm not sure if I have to ask for another SSRI to try or not.
> >
> > Any suggestions?
>
> Prozac is often very different in effect than the other SSRIs, often with fewer sexual side effects, less weight gain (usually causes weight loss, actually), etc. I'd try it if I were you. Oh, and opioid painkillers are extremely effective for OCD -- maybe you could talk to your doctor about Ultram?
Posted by McPac on October 2, 2003, at 21:24:58
In reply to Re: Ame, Supplements for OCD + social anxiety Ame Sans » McPac, posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 2, 2003, at 21:20:31
" I bet some of those places in Hawai'i or Oceania that sell the potent strains of kava make ultra-potent tinctures... I'll look into it."
OK, Thanks Ame....I'd love to get a potent brand!
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 2, 2003, at 21:39:38
In reply to Re: Supplements for OCD + social anxiety ?Ame Sans, posted by rianny on October 2, 2003, at 21:23:49
> 1. What does opioid exactly indicate? Is it just pain killers like Tyrenol or something?
lol, far from Tylenol. Opioids are pain-killers that bind to opioid receptors in the body. Morphine is the prototypical opioid which is quite potent -- but the daily dose of fentanyl that I get from Duragesic is fifty times more potent than intravenous morphine, and 25 times more potent than heroin. That is, 1.2mg of fentanyl = 50mg IV morphine = 25mg heroin.
> 2. What is Ultram? If I remember correctly, I read that pdocs usually don't prescribe it because it's addictive. I also have a book about OCD, and it lists most of the meds the patients could try, but I could not find Ultram in that list.Right, many don't prescribe it -- it can be quite addictive as it is an opioid (albeit the second weakest one there is, after Darvon which is less powerful than aspirin). There have been case reports and studies concerning use of Ultram in treating OCD and depression, showing it to be extremely effective with very few side effects and tolerance usually developing very slowly.
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 2, 2003, at 21:42:32
In reply to Re: Ame, Supplements for OCD + social anxiety Ame Sans, posted by McPac on October 2, 2003, at 21:24:58
> OK, Thanks Ame....I'd love to get a potent brand!
You're welcome -- I'll let you know if I find anything. Though if I don't, it's very easy to create your own tinctures at home using just kava root and 100-proof vodka. I could explain the process, which isn't very involved.
Posted by rianny on October 2, 2003, at 22:01:09
In reply to Re: Supplements for OCD + social anxiety ?Ame Sans ?rianny, posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 2, 2003, at 21:39:38
Where do you usually get those natural supplements you take? Are they sold in durg marts or do you order online?
> > 1. What does opioid exactly indicate? Is it just pain killers like Tyrenol or something?
>
> lol, far from Tylenol. Opioids are pain-killers that bind to opioid receptors in the body. Morphine is the prototypical opioid which is quite potent -- but the daily dose of fentanyl that I get from Duragesic is fifty times more potent than intravenous morphine, and 25 times more potent than heroin. That is, 1.2mg of fentanyl = 50mg IV morphine = 25mg heroin.
>
> > 2. What is Ultram? If I remember correctly, I read that pdocs usually don't prescribe it because it's addictive. I also have a book about OCD, and it lists most of the meds the patients could try, but I could not find Ultram in that list.
>
> Right, many don't prescribe it -- it can be quite addictive as it is an opioid (albeit the second weakest one there is, after Darvon which is less powerful than aspirin). There have been case reports and studies concerning use of Ultram in treating OCD and depression, showing it to be extremely effective with very few side effects and tolerance usually developing very slowly.
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 3, 2003, at 10:17:25
In reply to Re: Supplements for OCD + social anxiety ?Ame Sans, posted by rianny on October 2, 2003, at 22:01:09
I get them at a health food store here called Basic Foods. I've found that, with shipping and handling and all, it costs about the same to buy the stuff online as in the stores, and buying it in the store I don't have to wait for it to arrive. The only one I order online is the picamilon, since it isn't commonly sold in the U.S.
Posted by matthhhh on October 4, 2003, at 10:12:13
In reply to Re: Supplements for OCD + social anxiety ?Ame Sans » rianny, posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 3, 2003, at 10:17:25
hey Ame, ive tried the kava kava from the health food stores up to 4 tabs 400mg at the same time and really didnt do anything for me except make me tired. I noticed your post about the kava from hawaii and am thinking about ordering some. Do u think it would benefit me if i havnt had any luck with the other stuff?
By the way, Ive been on wellbutrin for about 1.5 months and have noticed that it has given me confidence and motivation as well, but has increased the ocd. So im ordering typtophan to augment with it for the ocd.
Posted by matthhhh on October 4, 2003, at 10:31:27
In reply to Re: Supplements for OCD + social anxiety ?Ame Sans » rianny, posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 3, 2003, at 10:17:25
Check out this site about 5 htp. It say that it is ineffective unless used with a prescription medication etc. Also it seems to prefer tryptophan over 5htp. Seems to give some hope for those that have not had any benefits fromm the 5htp.
www.healthrecovery.com/biochemical_depression.html
What do u think?
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 6, 2003, at 11:34:40
In reply to Re: Supplements for OCD + social anxiety ?Ame Sans, posted by matthhhh on October 4, 2003, at 10:12:13
I've taken whole bottles of the stuff all at once that they sell at the stores. They say "30% kavalactones" or "55% kavalactones", but they're depending on us to not do our research and realize that not all kavalactones have that "narcotic" effect. So even though kava contains several dozen types of kavalactones, for the sake of example let's say there's kavalactone A (KL-A), the kavalactones which exert their sedative, narcotic-type effects, and kavalactone B (KL-B), the kavalactones without pharmacological activity. These products are surely not lying about what they contain, but I'll bet you when you buy a product that claims to have 55% kavalactones, what they really mean to say is 55% "KL-B". The kava in Hawai'i is a whole other story though. The stuff on the shelves here doesn't deserve to bear the name kave -- anyone who's tried the real stuff can tell you that it's like comparing drinking a cup of coffee to losing $30 up your nose, if you know what I mean.
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 6, 2003, at 11:40:31
In reply to 5htp or tryptophan for ocd and SP, posted by matthhhh on October 4, 2003, at 10:31:27
Can't say this surprises me. I've always considered 5-HTP about as useless as GABA supplements. I always recommend people try tryptophan over 5-HTP, or at least also have ever since I discovered that the former is once again available OTC.
Posted by matthhhh on October 6, 2003, at 11:51:44
In reply to Re: Supplements for OCD + social anxiety ?Ame Sans » matthhhh, posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 6, 2003, at 11:34:40
hey Ame, thanks for the reply, i noticed your post about great effects of DPA. Isnt this the same as DLPA? ive tried DLPA but only gave me a slight mood boost, but nothing much.
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Alternative | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.